There is a lot of concern at the moment about shopping online  safeley and as it is coming up to Xmas when a lot of us purchase more online than usual, I thought you may appreciate some tips.

Make Sure Your Computer System is Secure

Start by making sure you have the latest up-to-date Internet Security software.  Do not purchase online if you think there may be virus/malware/spyware on your computer.  Also check the protection you have on your phones and mobile devices if you use them to purchase.

Make Sure the Internet Connection is Secure

If you are using a wireless network, ensure it is encrypted and requires a password.  Be very, very cautious of other people’s Wi-Fi.  Avoid purchasing when at a Wi-Fi Café or other public place.  This is particularly important with phones and mobile devices.

Consider Using a Unique Email Address Just For Shopping

Most of us share a lot of very personal information via our email accounts.  So if the email address we used to register with a shopping site is compromised, then a lot of very personal information can be accessed.  It is really quick and easy to set up a free email address that is just used for online shopping.

Get a Separate Credit Card for Online Shopping

It is also very easy to get a credit card that is just used for online shopping, with an upper limit on how much can be spent.  Credit cards (rather than debit cards) are good because card providers are required by law to protect your purchase and most will recompense you if the product is not delivered or is not what was ordered.

An alternative is a pre-paid credit card.

Check the Lock

Always check that SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is installed on a site before you purchase by credit card. Sometimes this will not be displayed until you reach this page of the purchase.  When you do, check that the site starts with https:// (NOT http://).  A padlock icon should be displayed too.  The location of this will vary depending upon which Internet browser you use but it is normally displayed next to the address bar or at the bottom.

Also, many retailers support 3D secure – in which case you should see Verified by Visa, MasterCard SecureCode, American Express SafeKey.

Are They Asking for too Much Personal Information?

A genuine site should ask for no more information than is required.  So, for example, you should not be asked for your date of birth, gender, etc.  Don’t assume that because a website looks familiar that it is the right site – it is extremely easy to copy the look and feel of a genuine web site.

Get Familiar with the Web Address of the Shopping Site

A lot of phishing sites (sites that are not real but try to trick you into giving your sign in credentials and credit card information) use web addresses that are nearly correct but not quite.  They are displayed if you misspell the name, or have a slightly different domain (.net instead of .com for example). So be careful when you go to a website to get the address correct.

Where possible, go directly to the site.  Avoid going via a Search Engine.  Search Engines are great, but we have all seen results that seem to list 10 different versions of the same site.  If you are going to the site this way be extra careful to confirm that you are on the correct site.

There are more tips about what to look for with websites here…

How to Check if A Website is Genuine

Passwords that are Different

Yes, I know.  It is really, really, really difficult to make every password different and to remember them all.  There are tricks you can use.  It is a case of balancing what you are comfortable and confident doing against the risks involved.  Click here to find out more about this…

Password Tips.

If in Doubt Don’t

Learn to trust your instincts.  If in doubt, don’t buy from the site.

Rebecca Mansbridge
December 2015

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